Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, Ramsey Co., Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1905, 1887-12-10
INTER-OCEAN
AFFAIRS.
Lamar's Appolntment-The Tariff
Ouestlon-Sparks Again.

Correspondence Of the INTLR.OcEAN.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, lSS7.-There is
no doubt that the confirmation Of Lamar
to be associate justice will receive more
than usual attention at tho hands Of the
senate. It 10 now asserted that Lamar
has indicated his Intention of voting
against prohibition, and also against
debt-paying for Virginia. These mat
ters are important, and the supreme
court is now a tie in each case. Lamar
is known as a tippler and it has long
been suspected that he would oppose
prohibition. But it was not apprehended
that his views upon the Virginia cases
would be ascertained prior to his oloya-
ton to the supreme bench. A cores
pondent of q Philadelphia paper has
learned that Lamar will consider the
Virginia cases "from a southern stand
point" Lamar is TO be appointed be-
cause Of his sectionalism, md he claims
that emo one is likely to consider him as
a man in whom tho judicial instinct
would outweigh sectional sentiment,
emotion or prejudice These are some
very good reasons why Mr.. Lamar ought
not to be confirmed. The other fact,
that he defended Jefferson Davis, might
be used against him by partisans, aside
from these other considerations; andthat
fact of tho defense Of q traitor ought to
hurt him, but. to colder minds. to less
patriotic instincts, the fact Of his prcju-
dices which unfit him for a judicial posi-
ton, will weigh heavily against him.
The Democratic senate caucus which was
held on Monday afternoon is now be-
lieved to have been called for the pur-
pose Of considering what to do in the
lamar matter. 1t is quietly asserted by
a friend of Senator German that he has
advised tho president not to nominate
Lamar for the supreme bench; as there
is almost a certainty that he would be re-
iected. However, the Democrats have
decided to vote for him solidly, if he is
nominated. This only necessitates the
work OF getting an assurance from two
Republican senators that they will vote
for him, in order to have the matter go
through. But it is said that tho recall
citrant Republicans cannot be found.
VanWyck, of Nebraska, used to play
Judas on his brethren; but, ho is out.
There seems to DO no real Republican
now in the senate who can be purchased
to vote on II party measure against the
party which elected him. Consequently,
Senator German has advised the presi-
lent that if he sends the name Of Lamar
o tho senate for the position to which he
aspires, he will be defeated. Honce, the
nomination Of somo other southern ex-
rebel may fairly be expected. Whoever
imagines that an cX-union soldier will
be nominated for any office by the sue
cessor Of Jefferson Davis certainly
knows little Of the present president of
the confcderacy; the man whom tho
south elected and placed in the white
house by the aid Of the northern Demo-
Gratis.
[Sincc the above was written by our
Washington correspondent the telegraph
informs us that Mr.. Lamar has been
nominated for the supreme bench; and
also that the supreme court through
Justice Harlan saved Mr.. Lamar the
humiliation Of going Oh record in the
whisky case by deciding in favor of pro-
hibition.-ED.]
Mr.. Henry Watterson of kentucky, the
cross eyed discover Of the star eyed god
dess of reform. is at Chamberlin's and
will probably get roaring drunk.
Harry is a drinkor and u fighter
from wayback. Contrary to popular i'm
preston, his editorial work which is
scintillant and quotable, is not written
under the influence of alcohol. 10 do
his best work, Watterson requires q
brain entirely free from liquor. When
in his cups, he writes the veriest
driyel. Ordinarily, the geniuses have
been follows who could only do their
greatest things assisted Iby alcohol.
1t il not so with the great tariir-for-on!.%
editor. lie is here for the purpose u!
''stiffening Carlisle's backbone, and put
ting Randall down into tho depths where
he blongs''. 1t is easier said than done.
There can be no doubt that Carlisle's
backbone needs to be stitlened if he is 10
Engage in a warfare with Randall; but,
to pull Randall down is Il task far to
heavy for Wattsrson, Carlisle, and all the
other Democratic leadeas combined.
The committees of the house will Don
be announced; but they are not looked
forward to with much avidity except by
the new members who know nothing Of
their probable standing.
1t il stated here as an authoritative
fact that ex-Commissioner Sparks will
I've the Democratic candidate for COVER
nor of Illinois nextyear. 1t seems to be
conceded by such men as Morrison.
Townshend Springer and Stevenson that
Sparks would make a strong candidate
and that his chances for the nomination
are very good. 1t is stated by the friends
of Civil Surface Commissioner, John
Obcrly, that lie would like to mako
the run, and believes himself to DO moro
popular and better qualified than Sparks
That is a debatable question. Bald
headed Bishop Oberly is a companion
able fellow, and has lots Of friends. He
has a pious grin which must haye been
cnstamped upon his face under surgical
advice. His smile has passed into his
tory. His voice 10 like the babbling
brook, or the curling r~ivulet, full OF
melody. He is not as pompous as Sparks
although sufficiently self-conscious to be
slightly dignined. He would make rs
good a candidate as Sparks; and the Illi-